Circle of Life continues

Santa brought Nolan a bike without training wheels when he was 6. We rode it and I thought it would never happen but we finally got him to ride that thing a year later. It was just a couple of weeks ago that he could ride without one of us running right next to him.

I remember a particular photo in Justin's baby book as I was watching this proud father/son moment. I told Justin that it reminded me of the photo and I just had to grab my camera so I had it for Nolan's baby book one day.

They were both 7 when they really learned to ride a bike. The one on the left is Justin circa 1981 in Kentucky and Nolan now in 2013 in Texas. .

 

I think the only difference is that we didn't believe in helmets in 1981! I hadn't seen this photo in years, and honestly I was trying to just get the darn thing in focus. Lucky break that it was the same angle and that Justin and his dad are both sporting beards! Twilight zone. Welcome to my life every holiday when I'm with him, my father-in-law and brother-in-law in the same room at the same time. 

Rollin' with Nolan

So I've been having to get pretty creative with things to do with the boys since we're on swine flu house arrest. We have ventured out to eat dinner but are avoiding playgrounds and shopping carts right now (the two dirtiest and germ-infested things I know). I once read that the average public restroom is cleaner than shopping carts...gross! So now that the weather is cooperating we've had some opportunities to go for walks and bike rides. Campbell loves stroller rides and could be outside for hours. Nolan is becoming quite a pro at his bike but told me the other day, "My bottom hurts," after riding for a while. I don't blame him.

New Bike

Santa brought Nolan his red bike that he asked for and so we've had fun taking him out for rides. It's a lot of work teaching a kid to ride a bike. Partly because my thighs are quivering and my back is aching (yes, I know that it's sad) and partly because it's hard to explain how to do it. We skipped the tricycle phase so it was really like starting from scratch. Gram and Pop had a tricycle in Kentucky so he practiced around the house and it really seemed to help. Now he can actually peddle AND steer!

Before Santa brought his bike Nolan saw his friend Hank riding his red bike out the window one day and he said very matter-of-factly, "That is the bike I'm going to get." At that point, I had failed to ask him what color he wanted, thank goodness he said red because that's what Santa brought!

I can't help but think of my all-time favorite skit on Saturday Night Live when Nolan has on his helmet. Let's pay tribute to Hyper Hypo.